Leeds United are flying high under Marcelo Bielsa’s stewardship this season in a manner which suggests they possess the necessary tools for promotion, and a recent tweet from Phil Hay suggests the club may be looking to add another big name to their coaching staff.
The Argentine has certainly delivered on his pre-season promise so far by carrying Leeds to within just one point of top spot, even with a handful of injury problems to contend with.
The likes of Jamie Shackleton and Tyler Roberts have been forced to step into the first-team before Bielsa would otherwise consider introducing them and both players have performed well.
Shackleton’s performances in particular suggest that Leeds’ youth system is producing high quality talent for the future, and it appears that the club may be interested in bringing back a huge talent from the past to improve their academy.
Indeed, Phil Hay spotted an intriguing spectator yesterday as Leeds’ U23 side recorded a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest at Thorp Arch.
None other than ex-Leeds striker Alan Smith here watching the 23s today. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) October 1, 2018
In response to the tweet, plenty of Leeds supporters were eager to call for Smith to make a return to Elland Road by joining the backroom staff amid rumours that he is mulling over a return to football.
But not all of the supporters shared the same level of enthusiasm over a potential Smith comeback, with his controversial decision to move to Manchester United in 2004 remaining a sore point for large sections of the Whites faithful.
Here’s what the Leeds fans have had to say about the potential of Smith returning to the club…
Leeds through and through that lad is!
— Dan Newton (@DannoLUFC) October 1, 2018
So he is returning to the club to coach. Hope so. Loved him
— jayjay82🏆 (@jwh1982) October 1, 2018
Is this the Alan Smith that had a love in with that team in red?
He not welcome in my eyes— Colin McGrath (@colin17_colin) October 1, 2018
Keep him away !!! When he kissed that scum badge he finished for me .
— Trappsy (@Trappsradio) October 1, 2018
Will forever be one of my favourites, love him to death MOT Smudger #lufc
— Virginia LUFC (@LUFCVirginia) October 1, 2018
Comeback?
— Olebjørn (@olebear2) October 1, 2018
He's a nobody, wouldn't wish him any harm but that's it
— Yorkshire Don (@Dpfproperties) October 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/AndyBulleyment/status/1046757286721581056
